Witness Sports Alliance LLC, led by Indian entrepreneurs Saranyan Palaniswamy and K.C. Shyam Kangayan, have taken over the Colombo Kaps franchise ahead of Lanka Premier League Season 6.
The acquisition makes them one of three new ownership groups confirmed for LPL 2026, alongside fresh investors for Kandy Royals and SC Jaffna Kings.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and operational partner Innovative Production Group (IPG) finalised the full five-franchise lineup on May 18, setting the stage for the tournament’s July-August 2026 window. The player draft takes place on May 23.
Who Are the New Colombo Kaps Owners?
Saranyan Palaniswamy and K.C. Shyam Kangayan bring strong franchise cricket experience from India’s regional T20 ecosystem.
Kangayan previously served as CEO and Executive Director of the Ruby Trichy Warriors in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Together with Palaniswamy, he also co-owns the Ruby White Town Legends in the Pondicherry Premier League (PPL).
The franchise was previously known as the Colombo Strikers before SLC terminated the original owners for failing to meet contractual obligations. Witness Sports Alliance acquired the franchise in October 2025 and rebranded it as the Colombo Kaps.
Samantha Dodanwela, Director of SLC, welcomed the move. “Their entry reaffirms the LPL’s position as a competitive and commercially attractive league that continues to bring together global investors and top cricketing talent,” he said.
What’s the Full LPL 2026 Franchise Lineup?
All five teams now have confirmed ownership for Season 6:
| Franchise | Owner | Led By |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo Kaps | Witness Sports Alliance LLC | Saranyan Palaniswamy, K.C. Shyam Kangayan |
| Kandy Royals | Kandy Royals LLC | Sandhya Ajjarapu, Kavya Ajjarapu (US-based) |
| SC Jaffna Kings | Sports Commune FZC | Manjot Kalra, Mayank Goel |
| Dambulla Sixers | Desilva Holdings | Priyanga De Silva |
| Galle Gallants | Gallant Sports and Media LLC | Kiran Mantripragada |
Notably, three of the five franchises changed hands ahead of this season. SLC had terminated the Jaffna Kings and Colombo Strikers franchises earlier for failing to meet contractual obligations. The Kandy franchise also received new investors.
Why Does Indian Investment in LPL Matter?
The Indian involvement in LPL 2026 goes far beyond ownership.
For the first time in cricket history, the BCCI has allowed Indian national team players to participate in a foreign franchise league. Until now, Indian cricketers were restricted to the IPL and couldn’t play in overseas T20 leagues like the BBL, PSL, CPL, or The Hundred.
This policy shift transforms the LPL’s commercial appeal overnight. Indian players bring massive fan followings, sponsorship interest, and broadcast value. Combined with Indian-owned franchises in Colombo, Kandy, and Jaffna, the league now has deeper ties to the Indian cricket market than any other foreign T20 league.
When Does LPL Season 6 Start?
The Lanka Premier League 2026 runs from July 17 to August 8. Originally scheduled for late 2025, SLC postponed the tournament to accommodate preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026, which Sri Lanka co-hosted with India in February-March.
The player draft is set for May 23, 2026. Each squad will feature a mix of Sri Lankan domestic players, overseas signings, and for the first time, Indian internationals. The tournament features 24 matches across three venues: R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Pallekele (Kandy), and Rangiri Dambulla (Dambulla).
For the Colombo Kaps, Season 6 represents a fresh start with new owners, a new identity, and access to a talent pool that no previous LPL edition could tap into. Whether Palaniswamy and Kangayan can translate their TNPL experience into LPL success starts with the draft on May 23.
